The interaction effects of flight distance, scheduling and contextual factors on basketball performance

This study examined how flight distance, scheduling factors, and team quality gap are associated with professional basketball performance. Data from 520 games in the China Basketball Association were analyzed. Flight distances were classified as short-haul (1079 ± 252 km), medium-haul (1830 ± 222 km), and long-haul (3163 ± 447 km), with home-away sequencing and landing-to-game intervals also considered as schedule-related contextual factors. Principal component analysis identified three performance dimensions: offensive performance (38.2% variance explained), defensive control (18.7%), and game rhythm & free-throw performance (8.9%). Linear mixed-effects models showed that offensive performance was consistently associated with team quality gap across all travel distances (all p < 0.001). Under medium-haul travel, home-to-away transitions were associated with reduced defensive control (β =  -1.303, p = 0.031), an effect attenuated by longer landing-to-game intervals (β = 0.040, p = 0.013). Under long-haul conditions, consecutive away games and shorter preparation intervals were linked to poorer rhythm and free-throw performance, whereas longer preparation time moderated these effects. Overall, travel-related contextual factors were differentially associated with distinct performance dimensions, emphasizing the need to jointly consider travel distance, home-away sequencing, and preparation intervals when interpreting performance variation in professional basketball.